The left side wins overall because it covers the full arc of the flight's best scenery: Costa Rica's volcanoes on departure, then Cuba, the turquoise shallows of the Bahamas, and the Florida/Georgia coastline during cruise, giving far more sustained variety than the right side, which is dominated by open Caribbean and Atlantic water until the final Manhattan view.
Flown SJO to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Newark is 2,208 miles (3,553 km), a flight of about 5 hours 20 minutes.
Western Cuba and the Straits of Florida, the shallow turquoise banks of the Bahamas (Andros and Grand Bahama), and the Atlantic coastline off Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJO
LEFTDeparting SJO on runway 07, the aircraft climbs northeast out of the Central Valley before curving north toward Nicaragua, and that turn puts the western side of the plane facing Poás Volcano and the Alajuela lowlands. The right side mostly shows Irazú and Turrialba, which are farther away and less prominent during the turn.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTOn approach to EWR from the south, aircraft typically line up for runway 4L/4R, flying northeast with Manhattan sitting off to the right of the nose across Newark Bay. This gives right-side passengers a clear, close view of the skyline, Hudson River, and harbor just before touchdown, something the left side (facing New Jersey suburbs) doesn't offer.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Newark. The left side wins overall because it covers the full arc of the flight's best scenery: Costa Rica's volcanoes on departure, then Cuba, the turquoise shallows of the Bahamas, and the Florida/Georgia coastline during cruise, giving far more sustained variety than the right side, which is dominated by open Caribbean and Atlantic water until the final Manhattan view.
What can I see during takeoff from Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SJO on runway 07, the aircraft climbs northeast out of the Central Valley before curving north toward Nicaragua, and that turn puts the western side of the plane facing Poás Volcano and the Alajuela lowlands. The right side mostly shows Irazú and Turrialba, which are farther away and less prominent during the turn. Notable sights include: Poás Volcano, Barva Volcano, San José/Alajuela Central Valley, distant Gulf of Nicoya haze.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to EWR from the south, aircraft typically line up for runway 4L/4R, flying northeast with Manhattan sitting off to the right of the nose across Newark Bay. This gives right-side passengers a clear, close view of the skyline, Hudson River, and harbor just before touchdown, something the left side (facing New Jersey suburbs) doesn't offer. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Newark?
The flight from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 5 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,208 miles (3,553 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Newark flight path pass over?
Western Cuba and the Straits of Florida, the shallow turquoise banks of the Bahamas (Andros and Grand Bahama), and the Atlantic coastline off Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas